Snake Season In NH: Venomous Species, How To Spot Them

NEW HAMPSHIRE — As temperatures rise across New Hampshire in the coming months, residents are likely to spend more time outdoors soaking up the sun while hiking, camping, or barbecuing with family and friends.

But as humans migrate outside to enjoy the summer months, many snakes will be doing the same.

New Hampshire is home to 11 species of snakes, according to the state Fish and Game Department, and basking in the sun is crucial to maintaining their body temperature and ensuring they survive and reproduce.

Most snake species like the water snake, milk snake and garter snake are harmless and won't bother humans. However, there are two types of venomous snakes in New Hampshire that humans should be mindful of and be sure to admire from a distance.

These are the venomous snakes in New Hampshire that are poisonous to humans and how to spot them:

Timber Rattlesnake

Timber rattlesnakes are large venomous snakes that inhabit the mountainous regions of New Hampshire. They can be abundant in certain areas, but their numbers are low overall.

Like the copperhead and other snakes, the timber rattlesnake would prefer to be left alone. It is not an aggressive creature. The timber rattler is prone to lie quietly or crawl away to safety if given the chance. Its defensive strike does not always include a release of venom as venom primarily is used to disable prey.

Timber rattlesnakes reach an adult size of 36 to 54 inches and are found in two different color phases — black and the less common yellow phase. Each phase is permanent. The coloration does not change from one phase to the other on any individual snake.

Eastern Hognose Snake

Eastern hognose snakes produce only a mild venom for the purpose of subduing prey, but they rarely bite humans, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History.

They are found in southern New Hampshire along the Merrimack River, from Concord to the Massachusetts border, NH Fish and Game said.

Eastern hognose snakes are known for their upturned snout. They are typically grey and black with stripes that can vary in color from brown to red and orange.

If a venomous snake bites a person, there are several steps to follow, according to staff at the Penn State Poison Center.

• Calm and reassure the victim, and keep the victim immobile.
• Call 911.
• Take the victim to the hospital immediately.
• Do not use ice, cold packs or sprays. Don't use a tourniquet or give the victim any alcohol or drugs.
• Do not wait until symptoms develop.

You can learn more about snakes in New Hampshire at the New Hampshire Fish and Game website.